Seidel: Geneva Park District to celebrate Halloween with multiple events

Published: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013 5:30 a.m. CST

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(Photo provided)

The Geneva Park District will celebrate Halloween on Oct. 26 with three events, including the Howl ‘o Ween Dog Parade, the Halloween Hayday and Zombie Apocalypse.

By NATALIE SEIDEL - editorial@kcchronicle.com

Candy and decorations line the shelves at local stores, while pumpkins and gourds adorn porches and doorways as Halloween draws near. Mothers and children prepare creative getups, as dads toil over pranks to trick neighborhood kids on old Hallow’s Eve.

On the big night itself, costumed kids knock on doors to greet new and old neighbors alike. Down the streets of Geneva, calls of “trick or treat” combine with “My, how you’ve grown!” or “I live kitty-corner to the Smiths.” As families emerge from their homes and on to the sidewalks, the traditions of Halloween mean more than just frights and sugar highs – they connect our community.

On Oct. 26, the Geneva Park District is celebrating Halloween with three events to unite our community and create lasting holiday memories. Certain to bewitch the entire family, our annual Halloween Hayday, Peck Farm Park’s Howl ‘o Ween Dog Parade, and the new thrilling Zombie Apocalypse, offer plenty of opportunities to celebrate the season at Geneva parks.

The celebration begins with Halloween Hayday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Stephen D. Persinger Recreation Center, 3507 Kaneville Road, Geneva. The family-fun festivities include a children’s carnival, cosmic cake walk, hay rides, bounce houses and more. Children should come dressed to impress for a costume contest. Pre-registration for children younger than 10 years of age is $5 each ($8 for non-residents). Admission at the door is $7 per child ($10 for nonresidents). Admission is free for adults.

Following the Hayday, Peck Farm Park will hold its annual Howl ‘o Ween Dog Parade from 4 to 5 p.m. Families and their canine friends are encouraged to come in costume. Prizes will be awarded for the best dressed. Line up begins at 3:45 p.m., with the parade starting at 4 p.m. Registration is recommended for this free event.

After dark, Wheeler Park transforms into a terrifying playground for the undead at the new Zombie Apocalypse from 7:30 to 10 p.m. According to reports, Wheeler has been hit with a terribly destructive virus. Your main objective? Survival. Dodge zombies through a disorienting obstacle course complete with safe zones, complications, emergency supplies and special effects. Use quick decision-making skills, speed and bravery to escape all the zombies and reach the vaccination point. But make one mistake and you could be zombie dinner.

Survivors will receive a delicious zombie vaccine. Hot chocolate and concessions will be available for sale. Plus, don’t miss 103.9 The Fox as they make Wheeler Park a “Tomb Stop,” complete with music, giveaways and more.

Because our zombies aren’t interested in measly snacks, we recommend this event for those ages 10 and older. Zombies find teenagers to be particularly fresh and appetizing, but appreciate mature adult meat, as well. Cost is $8 a person. Pre-registration is not required.

For information, call 630-232-4542 or visit www.genevaparks.org. “Like” the Geneva Park District on Facebook for instant updates about these events and more. Plus, we’ll post photos taken at these events for our fans to share with friends.

• Natalie Seidel is the marketing coordinator for the Geneva Park District and can be reached at 630-232-4542. Email her at editorial@kcchronicle.com.